Knife Crime
With the availability of knives, it’s about making people – in particular young people – aware that carrying a knife, or using a knife in violent circumstances has enormous consequences.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mick Duthie (Metropolitan Police)
In school we have a zero tolerance policy towards antisocial or violent behaviour, this includes knives.
Some young people say that they carry a knife for protection or to make them feel safer, even though they wouldn’t think of using it. However, research has show that you’re actually more likely to become a victim of crime if you’re carrying a knife.
What counts as Knife Crime
‘Knife crime’ is simply any crime that involves a knife. This includes:
- Carrying a knife or trying to buy one if you’re under 18
- Threatening someone with a knife
- Carrying a knife that is banned
- A murder where the victim was stabbed with a knife
- A robbery or burglary where the thieves carried a knife as a weapon
The Reality of Knife Crime
- 99% of 10-29 year olds do not carry a knife
- A person can get up to 4 years in prison for carrying a knife, even if it is never used
- People who carry a weapon are more likely to be hospitalised with a violence-related injury, and in many cases their own weapon has been used against them
- Friends who pressure a person to carry a knife are not good friends and will likely not be around to help if that person were to get caught
Sources of Support
- Childline (Phone: 0800 1111) – a free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything
- #knifefree – learn more about the #knifefree campaign and find information on how to live knife free
- Fearless (crime stoppers) – For advice and a way to anonymously report crime
- Victim support – for support for anyone who has been a victim of crime
If you have information about knife crime in your area and you’re nervous about going to the police, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They will never ask for your name or try to trace the number that you’re calling from.
